ABOUT US
all you Need to Know About Customs House Houseboats
Customs House has been a landmark on the Murray River since its construction in December 1884 and was built primarily to watch over the river trade.
In 1988, Ted and Ida Van Beukering, while cruising upstream on their houseboat 'Lady Ida', recognized the potential of Customs House. They transformed it into a thriving hub with a bustling General Store and Bottle Shop. This saw the number of tourists and recreational enthusiasts to the area increase. Over time, they expanded their offerings to include a fleet of houseboats, hiring out to guests to experience the beauty of the Murray River.
Fast forward many years, in 2004, Peter Teakle took the reins, continuing the legacy of Customs House Houseboats and General Store.
In 2017, Tim and Gaynor Abrey became the new and current owners of Customs House. Today, Customs House Houseboats stands as a testament to their dedication, boasting a fleet of 6 boats, ranging from a cozy 6-berth to the spacious 12-berth boats. It remains the only Houseboating company above Lock 6. The General Store is no longer running; however, Tim and Gaynor are happy to pre-arrange ice and petrol for their visitors hiring out the boats.
Tim and Gaynor's son and daughter-in-law have now joined the family in running Customs House Houseboats, and they can't wait to help make your holiday on the Murray a great one.
all you Need to Know About Customs House Houseboats
Customs House has been a landmark on the Murray River since its construction in December 1884 and was built primarily to watch over the river trade.
In 1988, Ted and Ida Van Beukering, while cruising upstream on their houseboat ‘Lady Ida’, recognized the potential of Customs House. They transformed it into a thriving hub with a bustling General Store and Bottle Shop. This saw the number of tourists and recreational enthusiasts to the area increase. Over time, they expanded their offerings to include a fleet of houseboats, hiring out to guests to experience the beauty of the Murray River.
Fast forward many years, in 2004, Peter Teakle took the reins, continuing the legacy of Customs House Houseboats and General Store.
In 2017, Tim and Gaynor Abrey became the new and current owners of Customs House. Today, Customs House Houseboats stands as a testament to their dedication, boasting a fleet of 6 boats, ranging from a cozy 6-berth to the spacious 12-berth boats. It remains the only Houseboating company above Lock 6. The General Store is no longer running; however, Tim and Gaynor are happy to pre-arrange ice and petrol for their visitors hiring out the boats.
Tim and Gaynor’s son and daughter-in-law have now joined the family in running Customs House Houseboats, and they can’t wait to help make your holiday on the Murray a great one.
The Riverland
Nestled within the heart of the Riverland Region, Customs House Houseboats invites travelers to discover the tranquil beauty of this picturesque destination. From the gentle flow of the river to the charming townships lining its banks, the Riverland offers a serene escape with endless possibilities.
Explore the delights of Paringa, Renmark, and the surrounding areas at your leisure, where each corner holds a new adventure. Whether it’s casting a line to try and catch the famous Murray Cod, enjoying a leisurely cruise along the river, treating the family to fun behind the boat, water skiing, exploring the wildlife and nature walks, or simply soaking up the warm hospitality of the local community, the Riverland promises to create lasting memories for visitors of all ages.
Finding Us
Located at the SA/VIC border, Customs House Houseboats awaits your arrival. On the banks of the Murray River, our marina is conveniently located just a short 20-minute drive from Renmark. For those coming from Mildura, it’s a leisurely 1.5-hour trip, while Adelaide is a scenic 3.5-hour drive away, and Melbourne is an 8-hour journey.
Positioned above Lock 6 in SA, Customs House is situated in a peaceful and beautiful part of the Murray River. If you’re arriving by river from Renmark, you can choose to travel via the main river or explore the creeks. Before making your way through Lock 6 to Customs House, why not stop for a refreshing brew at the Woolshed Brewery?
We look forward to welcoming you to Customs House soon!
The Customs River Lifestyle
We can’t wait for you to experience the best Holiday in the Riverland with Customs House Houseboats.
